Blow by Blow
a detailed story
Beat you to the punch
Do something before someone else
take off the gloves
to stop being nice
throw in the towel
quit
heavy hitter
an influential/important person
down and out
defeated
lightweight
an unimportant person
duke it out
argue
Bare-Knuckle
Fierce or Determined
roll with the punches
be flexible
hit below the belt
to be unfair
on the ropes
in trouble
Come out swinging
be quick and aggressive
the gloves are off
being mean
have someone in your corner
to have support from an ally
go down swinging
to be persistent, not quit
saved by the bell
rescued at the last minute
ringside seat
a good seat, close to the action.
Bob and Weave
To avoid or be evasive